Childminder in South Tyneside

Inspection report for early years provision

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312421 Unique Reference Number 08 January 2008 Inspection date Julie Morrison Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1992. She lives with her husband and son in a mid-link house on a housing estate in Hedworthfield. The whole of the ground floor and first floor bathroom and computer room are used for childminding. There is a rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for six children under the age of eight years and currently has four children under the age of eight years and one child over the age of eight on roll.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Good health and hygiene procedures ensure that children learn the importance of good hygiene throughout their daily routines. For example, they wash hands after using the toilet and before meals, and tables and benches are regularly cleaned. The childminder holds a current health and hygiene certificate which supports her understanding of promoting good hygiene. Clear procedures are in place to record medication, accidents and emergency consents, this further promotes children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of healthy eating, she provides regular snacks of fresh fruit and works closely with parents to ensure that individual dietary needs are met. Children have access to regular drinks to ensure that they remain hydrated throughout the day. Children enjoy a variety of activities which contribute to their good health. They sing and dance to music and enjoy trips to soft play areas and going for nature walks. Such activities help to promote children's physical development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment where good procedures are in place to minimise risks. For example, hazardous materials are kept in locked cupboards, fires are guarded and sockets covered. A detailed written fire procedure along with smoke alarms and regularly practised fire drills help children to learn to keep themselves safe. However, a written record of fire drills is not maintained. Children further learn to keep themselves safe with gentle reminders from the childminder, for example, to hold the banister when walking downstairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A well maintained range of toys and resources are placed out for the children to self-select from. The childminder ensures that they are clean, in safe conditions and suitable for the children. Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder has good procedures in place, for example, young children are securely strapped into pushchairs or wear reins and the childminder carries emergency contact details with her. Children are effectively safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures as a result of attending training courses. She is clear about the signs and symptoms and procedures to follow should she have any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a good balance of activities both inside and outside the home. For example, they enthusiastically join in singing and dancing to well known songs and nursery rhymes and enjoy a variety of arts and crafts activities which help to promote creative development. They have good opportunities to socialise with their peers as they regularly attend toddler groups and go on trips, for example, to local farms.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder interacts well with the children, she talks to them about their activities and sits and reads stories to them. Regular praise and encouragement helps children to develop good levels of self-esteem and confidence and the childminder uses play and activities to encourage children's learning. For example, she asks them to identify colours and encourages counting skills. The children confidently approach the childminder for resources, snacks or for cuddles and the childminder responds warmly to the children. As a result, they are happy and settled in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrates a suitable awareness of equal opportunities. She interacts well with the children and ensures that all children are involved in play and activities. Children learn about their local community as they go for walks and visit local toddler groups. They take part in activities to celebrate their own culture, for example, making Christmas cards and lanterns.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 However, there are no planned activities to promote children's learning about diversity and different cultures. The childminder has a sound understanding of the issues surrounding children with learning difficulties and disabilities and would ensure that she worked closely with parents to meet children's individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved as the childminder acts as a positive role model. She uses regular praise and discussion to help children to learn right from wrong, for example, she explains to children not to stand on toys as they may get broken. Children benefit from positive relationships with parents who speak highly of the care their children receive. Parents are invited for introductory visits where the childminder discusses her procedures with them, however, they do not receive any written information to support this. Parents are kept up to date about their child's day through verbal feedback and daily diaries.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an appropriately organised home where they are safe and secure. Toys and space are effectively organised, enabling children to move around independently and make choices about their play and learning. Flexible daily routines allow children to experience a range of activities in the home and community, which helps to support their social skills.

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Organisation

Most records which are required for the safe and effective management of the setting are in place, suitably organised and up to date. The childminder has a positive attitude towards personal development and has completed relevant training courses to further promote her practice. The childminder's registration certificate is clearly displayed and an up to date register of attendance is in place.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was raised to ensure that confidentiality was maintained when completing accident records. The childminder has a new accident book in place which promotes confidentiality.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • keep a written record of fire drills • develop activities to promote children's learning about different cultures and diversity • consider developing written information to keep parents informed about relevant policies and procedures.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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